pathogenicity – Page 2

Identification of a pathogen causing fruiting body rot of Sanghuangporus vaninii

mycolabadmin

Sanghuang, a valuable medicinal mushroom grown in China, was suffering from a disease that damaged fruiting bodies and reduced production. Researchers identified the cause as a green mold fungus called Trichoderma virens. The fungus grows best at 25°C and strongly inhibits the mushroom’s growth. Understanding this pathogen is the first step toward developing better ways to prevent the disease and protect this important medicinal crop.

Functions of the Three Common Fungal Extracellular Membrane (CFEM) Domain-Containing Genes of Arthrobotrys flagrans in the Process of Nematode Trapping

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied how a fungus called Arthrobotrys flagrans catches and kills parasitic worms. They found that three genes containing a special protein domain called CFEM control how the fungus produces sticky traps and deadly proteins. By studying mutant fungi with these genes deleted or overexpressed, they discovered that these genes work together and can compensate for each other, helping explain how this fungus could be used as a natural pest control for harmful nematodes.

FONPS6, a Nonribosomal Peptide Synthetase, Plays a Crucial Role in Achieving the Full Virulence Potential of the Vascular Wilt Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Niveum

mycolabadmin

This research explores how a specific fungal gene called FoNPS6 helps the watermelon-wilt-causing fungus Fusarium oxysporum attack plants. Scientists deleted this gene and found that mutant fungi were much less aggressive, couldn’t handle stress well, and struggled to penetrate plant roots. When the gene was restored, the fungi regained full virulence. The study reveals that FoNPS6 helps the fungus absorb iron and break down plant defense chemicals.

Kalmusia variispora (Didymosphaeriaceae, Dothideomycetes) Associated with the Grapevine Trunk Disease Complex in Cyprus

mycolabadmin

Kalmusia variispora is a fungus that causes trunk diseases in grapevines, resulting in wood discoloration and plant decline. This study identified the fungus in Cyprus vineyards and demonstrated its ability to infect and damage grapevine wood. The fungus produces enzymes that break down plant cell walls, with stronger enzyme production correlating to more severe disease. Understanding this pathogen is important for developing better disease management strategies in vineyards.

Identification and virulence factors prediction of Didymella segeticola causing leaf spot disease in Asarum heterotropoides in China

mycolabadmin

Researchers identified a fungus called Didymella segeticola as the cause of a leaf spot disease affecting Chinese wild ginger, a valuable medicinal plant grown in northeastern China. The disease is causing significant crop losses, with up to 75% of fields affected. Scientists analyzed the fungus’s genes and identified 87 proteins that help it cause disease, which could help develop better ways to prevent the disease in the future.

First Report of Colletotrichum kahawae Causing Anthracnose on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) in China and Biological Characterization of the Pathogen

mycolabadmin

Researchers in China identified a fungus called Colletotrichum kahawae causing a serious disease called anthracnose in buckwheat crops for the first time. The fungus also has the potential to infect other important crops like wheat, oats, potatoes, and corn. Scientists determined the ideal conditions for this fungus to grow and tested its ability to infect different plants. This discovery will help farmers develop better strategies to prevent and manage this disease in buckwheat and other crops.

Population structure in a fungal human pathogen is potentially linked to pathogenicity

mycolabadmin

Aspergillus flavus is a common fungal infection found in both hospitals and the environment. Researchers studied the genetic makeup of 300 fungal samples from patients and the environment across multiple countries. They discovered that clinical isolates cluster into specific genetic groups, with one group containing most patient-derived samples. This finding suggests that certain genetic populations of this fungus may be better adapted to infecting humans than others.

Exogenous L-Arginine Enhances Pathogenicity of Alternaria alternata on Kiwifruit by Regulating Metabolisms of Nitric Oxide, Polyamines, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and Cell Wall Modification

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that a specific nutrient called L-arginine paradoxically makes a fungus that causes black spot on kiwifruit more dangerous at low concentrations. The fungus uses this amino acid to trigger multiple survival mechanisms including producing protective molecules and enzymes that break down plant cell walls. However, at higher concentrations, L-arginine actually inhibits the fungus, suggesting it could be used as part of a disease control strategy.

First Report of Colletotrichum kahawae Causing Anthracnose on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) in China and Biological Characterization of the Pathogen

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered a serious fungal disease affecting buckwheat crops in China caused by Colletotrichum kahawae, a fungus that ranks among the world’s most damaging plant pathogens. Through laboratory tests, they identified the fungus and determined its optimal growth conditions and which other crops it can infect, including wheat, oats, potatoes, and maize. This is the first time this particular fungus has been reported on buckwheat, and the findings will help farmers develop strategies to prevent and manage the disease.

De novo Genome Assembly and Annotation of 12 Fungi Associated with Fruit Tree Decline Syndrome in ON, Canada

mycolabadmin

Apple and stone fruit trees in Ontario have been dying at alarming rates since 2016. Researchers sequenced and analyzed the genetic code of 12 different fungi suspected of causing this decline. This study provides the first complete genetic blueprints for several fungal species, helping farmers and scientists better understand what causes the disease and develop ways to prevent it.

Research Keyword: pathogenicity